What Is So Special About the Outer Banks? -

The Outer Banks is a stretch of barrier islands on the coast of North Carolina. While you probably have heard about the viral Netflix series right now, the actual Outer Banks is more than just home to an epic treasure hunt. It’s a place unlike any other where you can relax, make memories, and simply just enjoy everything we have to offer. You may be wondering, “Okay, what makes this place different from any other beach town?” We’ve got you, don’t worry. We’ve broken down what makes the OBX special so you know just why people keep coming back to us year after year…after year.

Our Beaches

The Outer Banks is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in America.

The beaches of the Outer Banks are some of the most beautiful beaches in America. No, seriously. In 2023, Dr. Beach ranked Lighthouse Beach in Buxton as #5 in the top 10 beaches in the United States. OBX beaches have also been nationally ranked for years by different publications like Southern Living, Travel & Leisure, and more. From the untouched, undeveloped beaches of the Cape Hatteras Seashore to the pet-friendly beaches of Duck, the cleanliness, spaciousness, and serenity of our beaches are just something you can’t find anywhere else.

Outer Banks Local Businesses

Local businesses are the heart of the OBX.

Local businesses and makers are the heart of the Outer Banks. You won’t find a ton of chain restaurants and businesses on the OBX. Instead, you’ll find a bunch of locally-owned restaurants, boutiques, and even grocery stores. The people who own and operate these businesses call the OBX home. Whenever you support a small business, you’re helping to support someone you may see at the beach, out to eat, or driving past on the road.

The Sense of Community

The Outer Banks has a very rich, deep rooted history and you become a part of that during your visit.

Many Outer Banks natives have been on this stretch of barrier islands for decades, even centuries. Generations of fishermen, landmark keepers, teachers, and small business owners helped shape what this island does to build our community and serve others. Our large service industry teaches our community that we look out for each other where we can. We take care of one another here on the OBX and we take care of our guests too. When you visit the Outer Banks, you’ll feel that sense of tight-knit community we have here, and we hope you feel a part of it during your visit.

The Natural Beauty

Our beaches are beautiful on the OBX, but we have so much more than that. The wild horses of Corolla roam the beaches freely and are a sight to see. Jockey’s Ridge is the East Coast’s tallest living sand dune system, a true natural phenomenon. The Outer Banks is also home to beautiful sound views, national parks, and wooded nature trails. There’s something that everyone in your group will enjoy on the OBX.

Our Deep Rooted History

There is so much history to be found on the Outer Banks including the Freedmen's Colony.

From the first functional community of formerly enslaved people (The Freedmen’s Colony) to the history of flight, you’ll find it all right here on the Outer Banks and so much more. The OBX is home to so many historical events and sites. A few to name? The Wright Brothers Memorial, The Graveyard of the Atlantic, The Lost Colony, pirates, and so much more. It’s a history lover’s paradise, honestly.

The Family Friendly Atmosphere

Along with the rich history and options to see historic sites, the Outer Banks is full of other family fun, too. There are so many family-friendly activities like mini-golf, go-karts, bowling, and playgrounds. It makes it easy to entertain the whole crew during your vacation.

The Rental Home Options

From smaller condos to large multi family homes, there's something for everyone on the OBX.

The Outer Banks features rental home options for any and all families. Just you, your spouse, and two young kids coming to visit? No worries, we’ve got condo rentals that are perfect for you. Is it a multifamily affair wanting to spend a week by the sea? There are plenty of larger homes to be found on the OBX as well. No matter what type of rental home you’re looking for, you’ll find it on the Outer Banks and even more specifically, with Resort Realty.